Although bronchitis is a common health problem, many of us may not know what causes it. Since I always end a cold with a dry cough, I decided to do some research to find out what causes my cough. I learned that a cough can be caused by bronchitis. As I read on, I realized that I do not have bronchitis. From what I learned, I was glad that I do not have bronchitis. The following is what I learned:
I learned that bronchitis occurs when the lining of the tubes leading to the lungs get inflamed and begin making too much mucus. There are two types of bronchitis — acute bronchitis and chronic bronchitis.
Acute bronchitis may be caused by viruses or bacteria. If bronchitis is not caused by viruses or bacteria, it can be caused by smoke, dust or chemical fumes. People who have asthma are noted to develop bronchitis more easily when they have a respiratory infection. Also smokers, babies, the elderly, and those who have lung disease are the most susceptible.
Attacks occur most often during the winter months. The symptom is an inflammation of the mucosal lining of the bronchi which causes swelling and congestion. Following this, pus forms. The main symptoms are wheezing, breathlessness, and a cough that seems to last forever. This cough produces yellow and green sputum. There might be some discomfort behind the breastbone and perhaps a raised temperature.
One of the best treatment for acute bronchitis is using a humidifier or by inhaling steam. Drinking plenty of water is suggested as it is considered to be the best expectorant.
Most acute bronchitis clears up, and there are no other problems. A physician should be called if there is severe breathlessness or if there is no improvement after three days. A doctor should definitely be called if blood is coughed up, or if there is a temperature of more than 101 degrees. If a physician suspects that there is a bacterial infection, he/she will prescribe an antibiotic.
Chronic Bronchitis
Bronchitis is considered chronic if an individual coughs up sputum most of the time during three consecutive months. This disease is caused by narrowing and an obstruction of the airways in the lungs. It often coexists with a lung disease known as emphysema. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema together are sometimes called chronic obstructive lung disease. The main cause for this disease is cigarette smoking. It stimulates the production of mucus in the lining of the bronchi and thickens the bronchi’s muscular walls. It also effects the airways in the lungs. Because of this, the passages become more susceptible to infections.
The symptoms are basically the same as in acute bronchitis, except they are persistent instead of clearing up as is in acute bronchitis. As the disease progresses, there is increased pressure in the arteries that supply blood to the lungs. This can cause a strain on the right side of the heart. Sometimes heart failure can develop.
Smoking is not the only cause of chronic bronchitis. Atmospheric pollution in some cities have been known to cause chronic bronchitis.
To relieve breathlessness, which often is one of the symptoms, a physician may prescribe an inhaler containing a bronchodilator. Bronchodilator is a drug that relaxes and widens the bronchi. Sometimes a patient with breathlessness can be helped by inhaling oxygen from oxygen cylinders or what is known as an oxygen concentrator which can be kept at a person’s home.
Source: The American Medical Association, Encyclopedia of Medicine